There were 380 road deaths in 2023 in Quebec, according to a new report by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). And it seems young people accounted for more of the victims in these fatal collisions.
There were 398 road deaths in the province in 2022. In 2019, 333 road deaths were recorded, followed by 340 in 2020 and 347 in 2021. It’s been trending upwards overall.
The new SAAQ report for 2023 shows that the number of deaths among young people 15 to 24 on the roads increased by 31.7 per cent, compared to the overall average from 2018 to 2022.
The explain that 6,253 people suffered a bodily injury in a road collision and 63 pedestrians died, compared to 82 in 2022 – a decrease of 23.2 per cent.
In addition, 28,060 people were injured last year, compared to 28,543 in 2022.
Among cyclists, 10 deaths were reported. The average for the last four years ahs hovered around 12.
Motorcyclists had eight fewer deaths last year, with a total of 54 in 2023.
“The improvement in the road safety record is proof that awareness, combined with police control and the strengthening of legislation, leads to a change in behavior among the Quebec population,” said SAAQ President and CEO Éric Ducharme. “I want to salute the contribution and efforts of our various partners, particularly those of Quebec police forces. It is the sum of actions that makes it possible to reduce the number of victims.”
Montreal road deaths down in 2023
In Montreal, there were 31 road deaths in 2023, which represents a 3.1 per cent decrease compared to the average from 2018 to 2022.
About 166 people were seriously injured and 6,056 people suffered minor injuries in 2023.
Laval road fatalities up
In Laval, there were nine deaths in 2023, which was a 4.7 per cent increase compared to the average from 2018 to 2022.
Forty-four people were seriously injured and the number of people with minor injuries decreased by five per cent totalling 1,355 people.